Organic Chemistry Part 4

Question 1

Define polymer

Answer 1

Large macromolecules made up from small repeating units called monomers

Question 2

What are the 2 types of polymers? Describe them.

Answer 2

Addition polymers
Requires an alkene as a monomer
Double bond breaks when polymer forms
1 product is formed

Condensation polymers
Water is formed as a product
2 different functional groups are present

Question 3

Describe nylon as a polymer.

Answer 3

Nylon is a synthetic polymer.
Polyamide which has 2 monomers -> dicarboxylic acid and diamine
Condensation polymer - has water in it

Uses:
Textiles
Ropes

Question 4

Describe teralene as a polymer.

Answer 4

Polyester which has 2 monomers - dicarboxylic acid and dialcohol (diol)
Condensation polymer - has water in it

Uses:
Textiles

Question 5

What are the 4 negative effects of polymers on the environment?

Answer 5

Non-biodegradable
Fill landfills
Harm animals
Release toxic gases when burnt

Question 6

Describe protein as a polymer.

Answer 6

Monomer -> Amino acids
Polymer -> Protein

Question 7

Describe the process of the hydrolysis of protein.

Answer 7

Proteins can be broken down into amino acids by hydrolysis using heat and concentrated HCl
Amino acids can be seperated by chromatography and ninhydrin(locating agent)

Question 8

Describe fats as a polymer.

Answer 8

Monomer -> Glycerol and fatty acids
Can also be hydrolysed using concentrated HCl and heat or NaOH and heat

Use:
Saponification (Not in syllabus)

Question 9

Describe carbohydrates as a polymer.

Answer 9

Monomer -> Glucose
Polymer -> Polysaccharide
Can be hydrolysed using heat and concentrated HCl and the products are seperated using chromatography